Gold belt from Ani ruins
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In the eastern part of Türkiye, amidst the ruins of the ancient city of Ani, archaeological discoveries are made with enviable regularity. One of the most significant finds was a luxurious gold belt. Interestingly, the artifact with a long history was discovered back in 2002. However, it was only recently presented to the general public. The belt was exhibited in the archaeological and ethnographic museum of the city of Kars.
Gold belt and its elements
The gold belt weighs 432 grams and consists of three elements: a belt plate, a massive buckle and loops. All of those are made of the noble metal. The textile part of the product is also decorated with gold biconical overlays.
Photo caption: The golden belt found in the ruins of an ancient city.
The central belt buckle has a round shape and a petal-like edge. The middle of the buckle is desidned in the savat style, an ancient technique of blackening silver and gold. The waist plate is 25 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide. At one end of the plate there is a depiction of a human head with a third eye.
Photo caption: Gold buckle made using the savat technique.
According to archaeologists, the belt can date back to the 8th — 9th centuries.
Gold belt — a symbol of prosperity
On the central buckle of the gold belt the word “lisa”, which means “lord”, is engraved. In ancient times, it was believed that this inscription brings good luck and prosperity to its owner. According to Hakim Aslan, acting director of the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Kars, similar inscriptions are found on ceramics discovered during other excavations in the area.
Photo caption: Belt plate depicting a human head.
Archaeological works in the ancient city are still ongoing. According to scientists, this place still holds many secrets, and further research will undoubtedly bring even more amazing discoveries.
Do you want to know more about the gold archaeological finds? Read our article: How and where were the oldest gold items found?
